In a year that began with museum robberies, Italy and Brazil have seen recoveries of valuable paintings. Meanwhile, London's cultural sector grapples with low salaries, while a new Slovenian museum turns humor into a compelling exhibit.

The Fondazione Magnani Rocca in Parma has seen several Cézanne, Renoir and Matisse works returned by Italian police, alongside eight works recovered from Sao Paulo last year. The Guggenheim Museum is taking legal action against a couple for the recovery of a Picasso painting stolen decades ago.

However, the cultural sector in London faces scrutiny over low salaries for expertise demanded, with roles at Tate paying as little as the low £30,000s. High-profile director positions are vacant in various US museums, offering higher pay and more prestige compared to their UK counterparts.

A fresh appointment sees Martin Clark take on the role of Towner Eastbourne's director and CEO. Dresden’s Correggio altarpiece is set for a major exhibition after extensive restoration work, while critic Carlos Valladares offers insights into Michael Fried's liberal critiques.

In an unexpected twist, Ljubljana’s Bullshit Museum has opened with a focus on Balkan humor, avoiding ethnic or religious content. It aims to explore the absurdities of life through satirical displays and mannequins, serving rakija as a symbol of resilience in the face of hardship.